This fantasy draws on the melodic material of Donizetti’s 'Linda di Chamounix', utilizing typical romantic bravura techniques. It serves as a pedagogical study in delivering lyrical lines within an ornate framework.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in; a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; and sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
Beyond that, expect rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse, and continuous sixteenth-note figuration that must ripple, not chatter.
Focus on maintaining a vocal quality in the right-hand melody throughout the surrounding ornamental flourishes.
Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.
A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.
Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Fantaisie brillante sur 'Linda di Chamounix' (Op.35) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Fantaisie brillante sur 'Linda di Chamounix' (Op.35) lasts about 7 minutes.
Fantaisie brillante sur 'Linda di Chamounix' (Op.35) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.
Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Barcarole by Józef Nowakowski, Fantaisie sur des airs polonais by Józef Nowakowski, Ballade No.2 by Józef Nowakowski — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.